Triangle TV – Beatson Interview: Way back in 1999 New Zealand began talks with Chile and Singapore about forming a trilateral free trade bloc.

That initiative has since expanded into what is now known as the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement.

Today, eleven countries are negotiating their way through this expansive free trade agreement – significant among those countries are the United States, Australia, and most recently, Canada.

The Prime Minister John Key said the TPP is a conduit within which New Zealand can establish a free trade agreement with the United States. The Government believes the TPP will create wealth for Kiwi businesses and the country as a whole.

But the University of Auckland’s Professor Jane Kelsey sees it differently.

And we talk to Professor Kelsey now, about her concerns.

The Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement currently has eleven countries negotiating for a piece of the action. And it looks like South Korea may soon be at the table too.

Q: What is the current state of negotiations?

Q: Why are governments so determined to sign up to the TPP?

Q: What are the benefits, and what are the risks to countries that sign up?

Q: How will these problems impact on Kiwis, on New Zealand workers and families?

THE NEGOTIATIONS:

The next round of TPPA negotiations is taking place in Auckland between 3 and 12 December.

Q: What are the major sticking points that are emerging from the negotiations?

Q: What should New Zealand do?

Q: How different is this Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement from other Free Trade Agreements?

Q: Is the TPPA already an unstoppable force – Or is there still time for people to have a say, to be a part of the consultation process?

WHAT CAN PEOPLE DO?

Now, the next round of TPPA negotiations is taking place in Auckland between 3 and 12 December.